My People

Artist Kehinde Wiley’s latest exhibition. Gallery blurb below.

“During Wiley’s residency in Rio de Janeiro, Afro-Brazilian men became the impetus for the majestic paintings, inspired by the iconic nationalistic sculptures that line the city streets and anchor its parks. Statesmen, noblemen, and the elite of Brazil are erased from their perches; the young black and brown men from present-day favelas are aggrandized. In tandem with the homoerotic undertone, Wiley further challenges the realm of the conventional male gaze. The viewer is forced to confront notions of the inherent colonial influence, exoticism and festishization.”

[Spotted at Panaramic and Attorney Street]

Little Lies

This film looks pretty good. Medicine for Melancholy starring Wynatt Cynac, aka the best Daily Show correspondent, it is the story of a boy and girl reconnecting with each other after a one night stand. Set in San Francisco where the black population is almost negligible, it highlights the struggles being a minority within a minority (black Goths, punks or danceheads).